04-20-2020-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — APRIL 20, 2020 3 Brian Wurdeman, Kimley Horn, stated he was proposing to have 131 parking stalls one the site. He has been told by the grocer that the site should have 80 to 90 parking stalls leaving the remainder of the site for the retail outlot pad. He commented there may be some flexibility with the site but did not anticipate a huge change could be made to the setbacks on the site. He indicated the setbacks were equal to or greater than what the site had currently. Councilmember Holden explained she had concerns with the small setbacks and questioned where snow would be stored. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom stated this would be something addressed by staff during the Site Plan Review process. He commented this was an area for concern but noted the area proposed for zero setbacks, had a zero setback today. Councilmember Holden indicated she was against the zero setbacks. Councilmember Scott explained at this time he was throwing up a yellow flag for this project and stated he would like more work to be done on this project. Councilmember McClung stated he has had growing concerns with lack of information the City Council was receiving. He expressed concern with the setbacks requested and feared the developer was trying to put too much onto the site. He questioned if the retail/restaurant should be removed. He indicated he also would have to give this project a yellow flag, but was close to red. He requested more detail from the developer in order to gain support for the project. Mayor Grant commented this was a yellow flag project. He recommended the setbacks be reconsidered and the site be redesigned. He encouraged the applicant to reconsider the project design. Councilmember Holden asked if the applicant was requesting landscaping flexibility. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated the proposed landscaping would be similar to what was currently on the site. It was noted there would be an increase in greenspace. Councilmember Holden questioned how the Council felt about another drive-thru in this area. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla commented on the number of drive- thrus in this area. He explained the main consideration for the Council would be to decide how it feels about the three foot setback. Councilmember Holden stated she didn't mind the drive-thru but stated she was against the three foot setback. She recommended the setback be at least 10 feet. Councilmember Holmes commented she could support a drive-thru and anticipated the City would have to change its ordinance regarding the distance between drive-thrus. She indicated she did have a problem with the proposed setbacks.